Located on the Pacific side of the southeastern Boso Peninsula, Kamogawa City is a scenic destination blessed with rich natural beauty. While Kamogawa is best known for its beautiful beaches, its inland areas are dotted with fields and surrounded by mountains. The city also boasts historical shrines and temples, as well as traditional crafts that reflect its cultural heritage.
Here, we introduce some of Kamogawa’s must-visit spots. With seasonal attractions throughout the year, each visit offers a new and unique charm to discover.
The JR Limited Express Wakashio is a convenient way to reach Kamogawa from Tokyo Station. Enjoy views of Tokyo Bay and the Pacific Ocean as you arrive at JR Awa-Kamogawa Station in about two hours.
While public transportation is available within the city, renting a car or bicycle is also highly recommended for getting around!
1. Seasonal Highlights
┃ Nanabatake Road (Best Viewing: Early January to Early March)
Just a 5-minute taxi or rental car ride—or about a 20-minute walk—from JR Awa-Kamogawa Station, Nanabatake Road is a wonderful sight during the early months of the year. Spanning an area of approximately 33,000 square meters, this vast field becomes a sea of vibrant yellow as field mustard flowers bloom in full glory.
Thanks to the mild climate of southern Boso, the blooms begin as early as January, signaling the imminent arrival of spring. Surrounded by the cheerful color of blooming flowers, it’s hard not to feel uplifted by the beauty of the landscape.
┃Kamogawa Kippo Plum Orchard (Best Viewing: Mid-February to Mid-March / Plum Harvest: Late May to Early June)
This plum orchard, featuring around 5,000 trees—primarily of the Nanko variety—is a peaceful retreat with sweeping views from its hillside location. During peak bloom, the landscape is covered in delicate plum blossoms, offering a soothing and picturesque experience.
┃Oyama Senmaida (Oyama Rice Terraces)
Oyama Senmaida is a breathtaking sight, with 375 terraced rice fields cascading down a vast sloping hillside. Beyond its visual impact, the scenery here transforms with each season. In spring, before planting, the flooded paddies reflect the sky like mirrors. In summer, vibrant green rice plants grow tall; in autumn, they turn into a stunning sea of gold. Come winter, the terraces are often covered in a blanket of snow, offering a serene contrast.
One of the area’s most beloved events is the annual light-up display held from late October to early January. Illuminated with LED candles that change color throughout the evening, the terraces are bathed in a magical, dreamlike glow.
2. Spots to Experience Kamogawa's History and Traditions
┃ Oyamaji Fudoson Temple & Takakura-jinja Shrine
Located halfway up Mt. Takakura, Oyamaji Fudoson is an ancient temple with over 1,300 years of history. The intricately carved dragon on the temple’s portico is a work by the renowned sculptor Ihachi I (also known as Nami no Ihachi). Although reaching the temple requires climbing a stone staircase, the panoramic view overlooking Kamogawa makes the effort worthwhile!
Visitors are also welcome to ring the temple bell freely. The solemn chime echoing through the mountains has a calming, almost purifying effect.
If you’re up for more mountain walking, continue the trail to reach Takakura-jinja Shrine, nestled deeper into the hills. It’s an excellent extension for nature lovers seeking a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere.
┃Kamogawa Maiwai Dyeing – Suzusen
Maiwai Dyeing is a traditional dyeing technique dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868), once used to make celebratory clothing gifted to fishermen after big catches. Though the tradition of these large celebrations has faded, two establishments still continue to preserve this unique art form today.
One of them, Suzusen, offers hands-on dyeing experiences. You can choose from auspicious designs like cranes or sacred ropes (shimenawa) and color them yourself to create your own original dyed piece. Why not make a one-of-a-kind Maiwai-dyed item as a special memento?
3. Recommended Spots for Dining and Souvenir Shopping
┃naeme farmers stand
Opened in 2023, this stylish cafe is set in a renovated traditional folk house. It serves dishes and beverages made with fresh herbs and edible flowers. One of the highlights is locally sourced game meat from Kamogawa, which is surprisingly mild and easy to enjoy even for first-timers. Popular menu items include lasagna rich with flavorful meat sauce and aromatic wild boar keema curry — all highly recommended.
Even the side herb salad is decorated with edible flowers, and amazingly, the flowers displayed on your table are also edible! Some have a refreshing taste, while others reveal deep umami as you chew — a delightful experience for the senses.
Inside the shop, you’ll also find a variety of products made with organically grown, chemical-free herbs, making it a great place to pick up unique souvenirs.
┃Kamogawa SEASIDE BASE
This beachfront complex offers dining and shopping right by the ocean. Relax on the terrace with a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean, take a walk along the seashore with your pet, and enjoy the soothing atmosphere of the sea.
There’s a variety of international cuisine available at the cafe, and the seafood restaurant known for its hamayaki (grilled seafood) is especially popular. A brewery is also located on-site, allowing you to savor Kamogawa’s craft beer.
The facility includes shops selling local souvenirs, freshly harvested vegetables, and regional specialties—making it an ideal spot for souvenir shopping.
┃Castella Workshop Lua Cheia
Chiba Prefecture is known as one of Japan’s top regions for eggs, sometimes referred to as the “Land of Eggs.” At Lua Cheia, they use freshly laid eggs to make rich yet delicately textured castella cakes that are irresistibly delicious once you try them!
A wide variety of flavors are available, including honey, brown sugar, matcha, and marble chocolate.
The souvenir section is also well-stocked with sweets and specialty products unique to Chiba Prefecture—perfect for finding gifts or treats to take home.
4. Fun for Everyone! Kamogawa’s Most Popular Attraction
┃Kamogawa Sea World
This beloved aquarium lets you encounter a wide variety of marine animals, with ecological exhibits that recreate natural environments—making it a fun place to learn about the importance of life. The animal performances are especially popular, featuring four different shows throughout the day: dolphins, orcas, belugas, and sea lions. You can easily spend an entire day enjoying them all!
The dolphin show is known for its dynamic jumps and synchronized performances. Highlights include combination jumps executed with perfect timing, performances that look like the dolphins are walking on water, and high-speed “super dashes” across the pool.
One of the most thrilling experiences is the orca “Splash Show,” where the giant orcas leap and perform powerful tricks, sending huge sprays of water into the crowd. If you’re sitting in the front rows, expect to get wet! The remarkable coordination between the trainers and orcas is a unique Kamogawa Sea World feature, with astonishing moments like elegant dance-like movements and trainers launching into the air from the orcas’ heads.
Kamogawa offers a wide variety of experiences—from connecting with nature to enjoying outdoor activities. It’s the superb destination for a relaxing getaway, away from the crowds. Why not take a peaceful and refreshing trip to Kamogawa?
